ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

NULLARBOR .. Maureen Clifford ©

There is a road
not previously travelled along the edge of the Nullarbor
where tall cliffs
overlook the Southern Ocean and limestone plains
slumber beneath blue skies -
Yalata land.

Fur seals dot the rocky shores below –
today the ocean moves
like oiled silk caressing the shore.
Gulls hover – weightless
on long distance winds.

The smoke from the fire
reminds me of burning fallen leaves
on a bonfire far from here.
Here there are no falling leaves,
just Nullarbor – the vast treeless plain.

Now is the time to enjoy the autumn sunset
in this rainbow nation
Tomorrow the ninety mile straight beckons –
it is the road I must take.
It is the only road, the Eyre Highway –
and it is long.

I have travelled by plane along the bight, would love to do the Indian pacific train.

I've only travelled that road once - a rushed trip with barely time sadly to see anything and I found it very dull going. But to be fair to the area, given the time to explore I am sure it would be quite delightful. Hard to appreciate anything when barrelling along at 100 kpm

Love this word picture, Maureen.

I have travelled on the Indian Pacific, but of course its route is quite some distance inland, so although the trip is an interesting one, you don't get to see the Bight.

Travelling it by road is on our bucket list!

Cheers
Shelley